Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might not have been able to be helped during the past, stop drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.